Life Hack “Creating Positive Change” (Day 22)

1. Write down 3 gratitude’s.

I am grateful for lasting friendships. Some of us are lucky enough to have friends who come through for us and understand our ambitions. For those of us who are young and trying to get it, often times we can’t make it to every celebration, event, or get together. I’m grateful to have a few resources of my own that I’m able to share. Lastly today I’m grateful for the happy feeling I’ve had lately. I guess that was the point of this project. 😉

2. Journal about 1 positive experience you’ve had over the last 24 hours.

In the last 24 hours a positive experience I’ve had was taking Jessica (who is like my little sister now) to her first class here at UW. Its awesome to know that the amazing woman she is today will blossom into something even greater with her commitment to education. 

3. Exercise: Yes

4. Meditate: No

5. Write one positive email praising or thanking someone in your social support network: Yes

LIFE HACK “Creating Positive Change” (Day One)

1. Write down 3 gratitude’s each day

I am thankful to have such a wonderful support system. My family, friends and social circles and networks. Without these people I am not sure I would be able to have the number of opportunities I have been afforded. I work hard to make this community even stronger. It is this community that I will need to achieve my goals. I have no doubt that even though achieving these goals will take up a lot of time, these people will understand.

I am thankful for my resources. Although they could always be better and I work hard to continue to improve them, I know that my resources will allow me to achieve my short term goals.

Lastly, I am thankful for independent financial stability. Although more money would be nice, I am thankful that I am able to sustain a moderately comfortable lifestyle that allows me to travel, support my artistic side, and spend time with my family and friends. I have worked hard in the last year to do better financially in hopes of scaling down my life and being a lot less wasteful. So far so good.

2. Journal about 1 positive experience you’ve had over the last 24 hours 

A positive experience in the last 24 hours for me was being able to spend time with my girlfriend before she left for work today. We were able to do some shopping, eat lunch and spend time discussing our communication, our graduate school applications and what obstetrical. She definitely push’s me to be a greater human being and for this I am grateful.

3. Exercise: No

4. Meditate: Not yet, but I hope to later

5. Write one positive email praising or thanking someone in your social support network: Not today

Comfort is the enemy of dream chasing (Written by AmbassadorNique)

Its been awhile but I’ve been vlogging and journalist.. here’s a blog!

Japan countdown: 14 Days!

Okay so I had this long post written in detail but I’ll give you the short story. Last night I re-watched my old DomoVlogs from when I lived in Japan (circa 2010), how they were maybe to honest, ignorant and immature. This led me to listening to old songs I made back in the day. Hearing how unpolished ignorant about happiness, money, love and life was a bit too real. While I still have a lot of growing up to do, I am not ashamed of past thoughts, but more importantly today I want to write about comfort.

Comfort is something I feel like most people aspire to achieve. Like success, comfort is relative and someone’s ceiling is another person’s floor. We were sold the dream that if we go to college and cross the finish line we would receive a piece of paper, a decent job at the least and be able to live comfortably. These were the bare minimums. I cannot say that this is not true, because with some help from my family, I was able to make this happen after a year or two. However, recently comfort has become my worst enemy.

If you have been following me you know my 3 goals this year are Good health, education and better financial decisions. Comfort costs a lot of money and can be time consuming. Its something that we strive for but once I figured out that settling down, buying a house, getting married, and having kids wasn’t the life for me, life had to be re-evaluated. Not that there is anything wrong with that life, its just not for me. I always wanted the freedom to express myself, and share my art with whomever would watch/listen. Aspiring for comfort also meant doing things I did not want to, and looking for acceptance from people that don’t necessarily matter. We find comfort in the things we buy, nice clothes, cars, art, furniture, acceptance etc. Not understanding to maintain this comfort we will dig us deeper and deeper into a life that we do not control. Rather a life that is controlled by our income, and outsiders.

From what I understand most Americans have the ability to sign a promissory note to get a loan for college, can finish undergrad, sign up for more loans go to graduate school, and make a living working somewhere that will pay them a decent if not good salary that will allow them to payback their loans with interest, put a down payment on a house, a car some nice toys to live…. Comfortable. I get it, people just want to be happy and by no means do I look down on these people, because I too at one time or another wanted to be these people. Now… nothing scares me more than becoming one of these people. I know for a fact this was not, and is not MY dream.

I HOPE I HAVN’T LOST YOU!

I know I just painted a really black and white picture. Everyone’s wants something different and I do my best not to judge. Furthermore by no means do I want to seem hypocritical when I apply to graduate school next year. I was like most people who graduated college in this race to change the world, get paid for it to buy toys and gain “success”. What is success if you are not doing what it is you want to be doing? “Victory to me is when you spend your time right…” Success is having the freedom and power to do what we want to do with your time. Vanity will not get me closer to that, a student loan will not get me closer to that, and unless it’s get a degree I want even a Masters degree will not get me closer to Freedom! To me life is about experiences and the more comfortable I live, the less life I will experience. There are those who would disagree, and would argue children are the greatest gift in life, and money will afford you those life experiences, but personally for me right here right now at 26… hard work, opportunity and artistic freedom have provided me the greatest experiences I’ve had thus far.

SOLUTION!

I made a vow to never complain without coming up with a potential solution. My solution is to continue to scale down my life, continue to be realistic with myself about what it is I need to do. Money is not everything, but it IS important. Also important is knowing your worth (but that’s a completely different discussion altogether). Saving money is even more important. Most of the people I grew up around didn’t inherit anything with any sort of monetary value. Some of them were lucky enough to inherited culture, traditions and family heirlooms. But the solution for me is to create that tradition, create that culture. I hope my road to Fuji inspires my future children, nieces and nephews, and their children to carry on tradition to go climb Mt. Fuji like my father did in 1988/’89. In my opinion the best way to hold myself accountable to creating my art and staying on my path of creativity, education, good health and better financial responsibility  is to avoid living comfortable. Comfort is the enemy of dream chasing.

Stay focused stay hungry,

Domonique Meeks
AmbassadorNique Productions

Half Empty or Half Full (Written By AmbassadorNique)

One of the hardest parts of staying disciplined is learning to be okay with being selfish. Its hard enough to tell yourself no to certain things, but its even harder to tell the people you hold close that this time you wont be able to come through for them. This is necessary, this is vital and this must happen if I want to make it where I am going. Either separate yourself from what everyone else is doing or live the life that the average person is living.

I cannot honestly say that this week was one of success. I made poor financial decisions, I was not on top of my health, and I did not stay disciplined to working toward my goal of continuing my education. That’s not to say I failed or neglected these things, however just to be honest I could have gone way harder. Seeing the consequences of my behavior will hopefully inspire me. Since I will not be able to hit the gym Monday due to an early morning Orthodontist appointment the goal is to fit that workout in either Sunday or Monday evening. Create a schedule for GRE study time and a budget to SAVE SAVE SAVE! The tickets to Tokyo are currently way to expensive and I can only hope that a deal will appear between now and this summer.

On a brighter note this week wasn’t all bad. I enjoyed good times with some friends at a free luau, and celebrated a birthday with one of my best friends. I also enjoyed the beautiful Jefferson park this morning and wondered why I was paying for a gym when I had such beautiful park less than a mile away (Seattle rain maybe?). There were also tennis courts! I scheduled an appointment with a woman at the University who I hope will lead me in the right direction as far as applying for my Masters is concerned. I’ve also started reading a really good book that I cannot wait to share, and watched a phenomenal documentary about Japanese internment camps called Toyo’s Camera. Overall I have been happy, cooking, and healthy. In life there will always be up’s and downs. Both will continue to inspire me to reach for the stars and both will continue to teach me new lessons. Depending on what angle you look at it, this weak could be considered somewhat of a success.

Is the glass half empty or is it half full? Live long and prosper my friends.

Ambassador

How does your identity affect your experiences and perspective (both professionally and personally)? (Written By AmbassadorNique)

Recently a friend of mine who will soon be finishing his Graduate degree in school counseling sent me a few questions about identity. I did my best to be as open as possible and telling my truth. In the coming days I hope to share my responses. Right are wrong these are my personal experiences, my thoughts, and my assumptions. I found that answering these questions became therapeutic and I hope they can help shape me as I grow closer to discovering my purpose here.  

QUESTION: Worldview Perspective and identity development: How does your identity affect your experiences and perspective  (both professionally and personally)?

My identity affects me every day. Race and how it affects my everyday life is something I am conscience of during most moments of the day. I believe not learning enough about my identity as a k-12 student lead me to wanting to learn as much as I could as an undergraduate. After my first Sociology class once I discovered there was a whole major that spoke to me I knew I had to take as many classes as possible. Knowing the major would never make me any money was okay with me, and to this day still is because knowing myself and becoming a better person was more important to me than how much money I hoped to receive. I became a Sociology and Criminal Justice double major primarily trying to understand institutions of oppression that have effected those whom share my brown skin. This oppression has gone on for years and continues to go on today with no signs of slowing down.

Growing up in Washington State and always attending schools where the hall ways were dominated by white faces exposed me to the good, the bad, and the ugly race relations. While Washington State to many outsiders is considered progressive, many times kids have no filters and the bigotry from their parents shared behind closed doors often end up on the playground.

Growing up with two African American parents from the south I was always proud of being black, and wore the black struggle as a badge of honor. This badge may have lead the younger me into falling into the traps of chasing what mainstream media defined as “cool” or “being” black. Having two parents whom pushed education, eventually I would learn that black was much more than what my television showed me. It was more than a hair style, a dress code, and coded slang.

I still feel to this day the discussion of race scares most white people. The younger me could never understand the disconnect between what I was experiencing everyday living as a young black male, and the image that most of the white people I came across assumed I was experiencing. As I get older I realize that interaction and collaboration is the only way to stop these assumptions. Understanding that social justice isn’t a priority to most people as it is to me.

Professionally, being one of two blacks in my department I constantly find myself losing my masculinity inherently knowing there is a fear of strong black men in mainstream America, This can be intimidating to anyone that feels as though their power is being challenged. When I catch myself changing my tone it constantly pisses me off, because I know that I am not being true to myself. I know that I should not care about such a thing, yet I find myself putting on my “corporate voice” or “white voice”. As ignorant as it sounds, and as educated as I am, I suppose it just happens. It’s definitely a habit I am trying to break. I suppose I am guilty of looking at and judging myself through the eyes of white people. This is known as double consciences a term that was coined by W.E.B. Dubois

Nine Killed in Chicago Weekend Violence

Wow and the gun violence continues in Chicago. Unfortunately it seems as though the shootings will not slow down anytime soon. Its hard to imagine a 16 year old boy losing his life on a street in America to a gun. There is nothing that anyone can say that will legitimize this. We all have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So many are not even being granted the first honor. I do not have an answer on how to slow down the murder rate in Chicago or around the United States, but I do know that there are experts, criminologist, investigators, researchers law makers and policy makers whose jobs it is to focus on issues like these.

Unfortunately, gun control is not the only problem here. There are deeper issues. Some of these issues include, poverty, lack of employment and mental health services. We have to do a better job at showing society a larger picture of life. Giving better options and resources to solve there daily hurdles. Until changes are made we will continue to lose human lives over senseless violence.

Nine Killed in Chicago Weekend Violence

Next Chapter (Written by AmbassadorNique)

Torn between chasing money but wanting to make change at the same time. The curse of knowing to much in a capitalist society that is ran by money, greed, corruption evil and lies. No judgement, nor will I throw any stones, because looking out the window I know I can still only try and understand the intentions of the greedy or the struggle of the hopeless, the crimes they feel they must commit to get just a taste of the so called American dream. Fore isn’t that what we all want? 

Slaves to the almighty dollar many of us that know better do whatever we can to find a balance between what our heart is telling us and what bill collectors are telling us we must do to get by. Some with no setup or blueprint to success are left making life up as they go learning from the mistakes of our parents, grandparents, peers and neighbors. Saying to ourselves we will not make the same mistakes as those who’s missteps led to their downfalls.

Determination for survival is mandatory. The nihilistic mentality that tomorrow is not promised and we have only one life to live keep minds trapped living for today, and NOW. Forgetting that in an age of global warming the next storm or natural disaster is only around the corner. Furthermore  what will we do when the revolution really does arrive? Have we all fallen asleep with our televisions on? Will we be to busy focused on our own problems to recognize the signs? 

Life is long, but more importantly life is now. We must strive to live longer, live healthier, live happier, smile, share, integrate, lend a hand, and discover. Be thankful and never underestimate the importance of a baby step. Be thankful that you can wake up with hope. That you can see even a glimpse of the light in the tunnel. There are some who cannot. Never be to quick to judge, to busy to understand, or to blind to see the larger picture. Even if life has no meaning it is up to us to make each day have a purpose. 

I am so thankful for my family, my friends, my life. The monkey that was on my back is gone. Now it is up to me to do the things I said I would. To put the time into making the goals I said I would accomplish happen. Get in Shape, learn photography/photoshop/finalcut pro, Study/Take the GREs, Learn Japanese, and save money! These are my goals! THIS is the bigger picture for me. 

I Vow… (Written By AmbassadorNique)

For the past few months… maybe even years… I’ve been in search for ways to apply the knowledge that was placed upon me via a college education, my environment, and life experiences. With the economy only getting worst since my graduation the dream that myself and many of my peers bought into becomes less possible as each day passes. The dream that we would be able to take our diplomas into the real world and change it for the better, and not starve while trying to make this happen.

Over half of recent college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed. Wow… Post undergrad I expected to be greeted with open arms with options of where I could take my talents, however I was met with a student loan debt that I hadn’t begun to understand. Wishful thinking I suppose. A private loan from Wells Fargo that I still cannot afford, and a government loan. 

3 1/2 years later the struggle continues. After a day of listening to hiring managers from some of Seattle’s largest employer’s, it became clear that they to had no new answers for recent college graduates.

I never like to bring up a problem without doing my best to create some sort of solution. I’ve looked high and low for answers, hints and tips of how I can use the talent and knowledge that I work so damn hard to accumulate. After listening to so many people, their opinions, their stories, and points of views it is time I focus more of my energy and time on ways I can create an answer of my own. I must work harder, work smarter, work longer, and increase the level of passion. Fears must be faced, sacrifices must be made, and money must not be a main objective. I must do what I want, how I want too. I must surround myself with like minded individuals who too are dedicated to their passions. I must Invest in entrepreneurs, inspiration, and most importantly myself.

As the stop watch on life continues to get closer to its point of expiration what is important to me is legacy, knowledge, happiness, my message, truth, longevity, and equality. I cannot promise that it will always be pretty, but I will give my all… In a world where ugliness and perception is valued more than love and truth, if it is meant for me to go against the grain, than I must. It is my right to live life, with liberty, in pursuit of happiness…

-Ambassador